The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the death of 35 children with six others critically injured during a stampede during a Christmas carnival in Ibadan, the state capital.
The police also said that eight persons including the organiser of the carnival, Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, have been arrested.
Thefrontrank reports that the incident occurred at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan on Wednesday.
The command’s spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, in a statement on Thursday said: “eight persons have since been arrested for their various involvements in the event.”
“Among those detained are Silekunola, aged 31, and Fasasi Abdulahi, the 56-year-old principal of the school.
“The other individuals arrested include Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, with ages ranging from 25 to 52 years.”
“So far, 35 minors have been documented dead while 6 others are critically injured,” the statement stated.
He explained that the state police command has transferred the case to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, where the Deputy Commissioner of Police is leading the investigation.
Osifeso, however, assured the public, stating, “justice will be served accordingly.”
He said that the command expressed its condolences to the families affected by this tragedy, stating, “The Oyo State Police Command sympathises with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy.”
